Let’s welcome 2026 with an evening full of music, laughter and community vibes.
Expect live music, roaming performers, food trucks, kids’ activities, and an MC to host the evening. It’s the perfect way to welcome in the new year together, so we invite you to come along and bring your friends and whānau.
All celebrations will wrap up with fireworks at 9.30pm except in Greerton, where the night will end with a spectacular laser light show.
Matua will once again hold an earlier low-sensory and accessible celebration from 5pm to 6pm at Fergusson Park. This hour is tailored for those with sensory sensitivities and accessibility needs, offering the same festive spirit but with smaller crowds and reduced volume.
One night, five community celebrations, 6pm to 9.30pm
Matua low sensory event 5pm to 6pm
For those who experience sensory sensitivities and/or have accessibility requirements, the Matua celebration will have an earlier celebration from 5pm to 6pm.
- Accessible parking - parking is available for mobility cardholders in the main car parking area adjacent to the Ōtūmoetai Football Clubrooms
- Smaller crowds
- Lower-volume acoustic music performed by Sophie Maud
- Quiet room on site
What to bring?
- A picnic blanket or something comfy to sit on – perfect for relaxing between all the fun
- Your own kai or treat yourselves to something tasty from the food trucks on site
- Heading to the Tauranga city centre or Greerton event? Food trucks will be limited, but there are plenty of great cafés and eateries nearby
- With the afternoon sun shining, don’t forget to slip, slop, slap and wrap
- If anyone in your whānau has sensory sensitivities, bring headphones to help reduce sound
- Cash or card for snacks and drinks
- All events are alcohol, vape, and smoke-free so everyone can enjoy a safe, family-friendly night out
Please note, there may be a Council commissioned photographer or videographer working at these events.